The Future Skills Maritime (FSM) Global Virtual Conference is the Maritime industry’s largest virtual conference in skill building organised by The Naval Connection (TNC). The first season of FSM was held in November 2020, which drew large crowds from far corners of the world.

The second edition of FSM 2022 was held on 20^th and 21^st January. It was organised by TNC in association with Ocean technologies group and Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement with Qatar Airways being the Principal Sponsor and Sealink it’s Media Partner.

It seemed like a dream when you entered the specially created 3D virtual platform designed to enhance networking and engagement.

The virtual ambience created by TNC for this programme was electric and showed the hard work of the team in creating a state-of-the-art AI led 3D forum, the new genre for all large virtual events in present times.

As the guests entered, they were treated to the experience of a journey on an ‘Air Taxi’ (Simulated with the logo of Qatar Airways on the hull of the flying machine) and then into the amazing lobby which gave you the impression of the conference happening inside an auditorium.

The auditorium hosted a giant screen and the audience watched the session on the giant display.

The platform also had a dedicated networking lounge where all visitors could engage and bond with each other for business growth; a photo-booth where one could take their selfies and post it on the wall; a scribble wall room where guests wrote their views and comments on the wall; an exhibition arena where there were virtual booths of Qatar Airways, Ocean Technologies Group and Bernhard Schulte Ship Management and of course the inhouse ‘Naval Connection’ brand.

The inaugural session commenced with the opening address of Capt Shoukat Mukherjee, Founder & CEO of The Naval Connection where he welcomed all the speakers and guests from around the world. Over 1200 professionals and students attended the inaugural session from all parts of the world.

In his welcome note Capt Mukherjee greeted the dignitaries and deliberated on the vision of TNC, a fast growing training conglomerate with the vision ‘Building Value for the Future’. He summarised the achievements of TNC over the last 3 years amidst raging uncertainty and disruption due to the COVID 19 pandemic. TNC Virtual Academy has developed the skills of more than 4000 seafarers in technical and non-technical LIVE workshops. He also announced the release of industry’s first Rating’s Boot Camp, an enhanced 4 days extensive skills development package in February end.

He then invited Mr Arne Jan Flolo, Consul General of the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in Mumbai. Arne thanked the organisers for putting up such a gallant virtual event. Since the maritime industry is changing rapidly, he put forward an important question ‘how can training skills keep up with this rapid change? He stated that the change is driven by new & green technologies and highlighted the few areas of emerging technologies. He also highlighted a few areas focusing on mission’s abatement technologies, including green initiatives, such as scrubber technology, low sulphur content fuel, new fuel and dual fuel ships. He spoke about the ties and trade collaborations between the Norwegian and Indian Governments. Further he concluded by saying that India is an important recruitment destination for Norwegian shipowners and operators.

Next speaker was Mr Karthik Viswanathan, Regional Manager, Indian Sub-continent, Qatar Airways. Prior to his speech, a short video clip of Qatar airways was played to show how it is changing and affecting people’s lives. He started with highlighting how covid 19 pandemic had affected travel worldwide but Qatar airways remained functional throughout the pandemic. Karthik also spoke about how the company has evolved and continues to invest in technologies to ensure that they are always ahead of their competitors. He highlighted the collaboration of Qatar airways with the marine industry.

Capt Mohamed Al Ali, Senior VP Offshore Logistics at ADNOC, was the next speaker. He started with greeting everyone and then honoured and heaped praises on all seafarers and their families for their sacrifice, relentless efforts and contribution during the pandemic. He highlighted the progress of ADNOC despite many prevailing challenges.

Capt Navin Passey, Maritime Mentor, Former Chairman FOSMA was the last speaker who, in his speech, threw light on the digitalization of the industry. He put forward the importance of understanding the need of the skills for future employment opportunities. Further, he encouraged the viewers to be ready for the change by being sustainable and not relying on just the present or future needs.

On request from Capt Shoukat, Capt Passey then did the honours of declaring the FSM2022 open and then the inaugural video was played amidst a round of applause and cheers.

In session 1, the speakers spoke about “Funding of skill development initiatives to bridge gaps: A Global Approach”. The speakers for this session were Capt Sankalp Shukla, Chairman FOSMA, Capt Mahendra Bhasin Chairman MASSA, Mr Abdulghani Y Serang, Secretary cum Treasurer NUSI, Mr Sabyasachi Hajara, Former CMD SCI and moderated by Ms Jillian Carson Jackson, President at the Nautical Institute (NI).

In the session 2, speakers spoke on the topic “Human Resource Practices in Seafaring: Opportunities for improving retention”. The speakers were Capt Philip Mathews from Seven Island shipping, Mr Raal Harris and Cornel Ciocan from OTG, Capt Suneha Gadpande – sailing captain, & moderated by Mr Uday Purohit.

Day 2 started with session 3, where the speakers were Capt Aakriti Barthwal from Synergy Maritime, Capt Mohan Naik from Dynacom, Capt Kanwarinder Singh Paintal from Elite Mariners, MS Twishi Chand, practicing psychologist, Capt Allan R Sarmiento from Wilhelmsen Philippines, Mr Karthik Viswanathan from Qatar Airways. This session was moderated by Capt Shiv Halbe, CEO MASSA. The topic for the session was “Understanding needs of seafarers”.

In session 4, the speakers spoke on the topic “Aligning skills of maritime faculty to suit future development needs”. The speakers were Ms Arbia Hlali, marine economist from Tunisia, Capt Himadri Ghosh from MSI Singapore, Mr David Birwadkar from GEIMS, GESCO, Mr Sunil Kumar from GESCO, Mr Ali A Shehab from DNV Global. Session moderator was Capt Mahesh Yadav, Director, FOSMA.

Both the days of the FSM saw an active audience engaging with the speakers and putting forward nonstop questions. More than 2800 participants visited the FSM virtually over 2 days. The event was streamed LIVE of the TNC Youtube and FB channels and watched by thousands from both ship and shore.

In his closing remarks, Capt Shoukat said, “The FSM Conference has undoubtedly become the maritime industry’s largest global intervention on Future Skills. Thousands of students and seafarers benefit each year from their interaction with world leaders and change makers of the industry. In whatever we do, we always try to create value for the industry and all its stakeholders- it’s a great challenge to be able to ideate a conference of this magnitude and see it grow, but at the end of it all, when we see happy and smiling faces, that’s what motivates us for the next big one.”

Marex Media